Research in Reading Recovery

In the national debate about scientifically based research and accountability, Reading Recovery ® has come under scrutiny—and has proven its worth. Evidence supports Reading Recovery on several fronts: its solid research base since its inception, its high success rate with the lowest–performing first–grade students, its cost–effectiveness, its assessment measures, and its response to change, including specific adaptations to emphasize phonemic awareness and phonics. This book goes even further in documenting Reading Recovery's real research, bringing readers up to date on findings since the first volume of the same name appeared in 1997.

Salli Forbes and Connie Briggs have collected many of the best research articles published from 1998 to 2002 in Literacy Teaching and Learning, the journal of the Reading Recovery Council of North America. The articles address many of the aspects of the design of Reading Recovery, especially those related to children's learning and development. These aspects include:

• the importance of writing as part of early literacy instruction
• motivation as a key factor in learning
• phonological awareness as it is taught in Reading Recovery.

• results of Reading Recovery instruction of English language learners
• sustained effects of the Reading Recovery and Descubriendo la Lectura results
• impact of Reading Recovery on children's personal and emotional development
• effects of success on children's home literacy experiences
• development of leadership skills through teacher leader training.

Constant fine–tuning is the key to the success of Reading Recovery. Continually evolving and expanding in relation to new research, it sets an example for ongoing professional development. This book will contribute to that development for Reading Recovery teachers, teacher leaders, and trainers, as well as other early literacy educators. Its publication supports the efforts of the Reading Recovery Council of North America.

*The Reading Recovery Council of North America, Inc. is a not-for-profit association of Reading Recovery professionals, advocates, and partners. The Council provides a network of opportunities for leadership and professional development. Nearly 11,000 individuals have become members of the Council since its establishment in 1995. Members include Reading Recovery teachers, teacher leaders, site coordinators, university trainers, partners who are classroom teachers, early literacy educators, Title I teachers, school principals and administrators, school board members, researchers, parents, and community members.